The town of Calne and Calne Without parish are working together to use a new government planning process called a Neighbourhood Development Order (NDO) to make it easier to develop new sources of renewable energy in our area.

We’re the first community in the UK to do this. We think it will really put the Calne area on the map as a more sustainable place.

A steering group comprised of local residents and councillors has been formed to encourage everyone to have their say on this innovative and exciting plan.

We’d like to invite others with a strong interest, or relevant skills or experience, to contribute and to join us. We meet monthly at the town council offices. Please email calneip@calne.gov.uk to find out more.

The first public consultation is about the area that the NDO will cover, and details can be found on the Wiltshire Council website page: http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal/.

Sophy Fearnley-Whittingstall, Vice chairman, Calne Community Renewable Energy Steering Group.